We, Vitus and Carolyn, had the opportunity to spend our semester abroad in Finland. Our semester abroad took us to Kokkola, a small town on the west coast of Finland.
Although Kokkola is compact, it offers everything you need for everyday life – and a wide range of leisure and outdoor activities to boot. Whether it's walks on the beach, trips to the surrounding forests, cozy cafés, or, of course, the typical Finnish saunas: the region has an incredible amount to offer. At the same time, Kokkola is an ideal starting point for exploring Finland in all directions.
Communication in advance went smoothly. Even before we arrived, we were very well looked after, and we also received a lot of support in choosing our courses on site. During the Welcome Days, we received all the important information we needed to make the start of the semester much easier.
Finding accommodation was easy, as the university works with local housing providers. We quickly found suitable apartments – all within walking distance of the city's main attractions and the campus.
The program differs from MCI in a few ways. While MCI often focuses on larger final exams, many courses in Kokkola consist of regular assignments and presentations throughout the semester. The groups are significantly smaller, with around 20 students, which creates a particularly pleasant and personal learning atmosphere.
In addition to classes, the university organizes numerous activities and excursions. A particular highlight for us was the trip to Lapland—a unique experience that we will not soon forget.
Looking back, we can highly recommend spending a semester abroad in Finland. Don't be afraid of the cold, snow, and darkness—that's exactly what makes this time so special. We will carry the experiences and encounters we have had here with us for the rest of our lives and are incredibly grateful for this experience. A big thank you also goes to MCI, which made the semester abroad possible and ensured that everything ran so smoothly.
Carolyn and Vitus picking berries ©MCI/Ott
Travelling with exchange students ©MCI/Ott
Northern Lights ©MCI/Ott
Landscape impressions ©MCI/Ott
Winter in Kokkola ©MCI/Ott
Our students share their experiences and give insights into courses, projects, and student life in the vibrant Alpine city of Innsbruck.
Discover the program that suits you.